Congress has mandated that at midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States must stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture with more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders. As such, analog (non-digital) televisions that currently receive free over-the-air programming via rooftop or “rabbit ear” antennae will either need to be replaced with a newer digital model or fitted with a digital-to-analog converter box.
Congress has created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.
The following links contain additional information from the FCC:
General Information
Frequently-Asked-Questions
May no television viewer be left behind!